Colts' season looks great by the numbers, too

INDIANAPOLIS — This Indianapolis Colts' improbable season has been more about emotion than numbers. But there's something to be said for the stats, too.

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By The News-Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Ind.)

MailTribune.com

By The News-Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Ind.)

Posted Dec. 26, 2012 at 2:00 AM

By The News-Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Ind.)

Posted Dec. 26, 2012 at 2:00 AM

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INDIANAPOLIS — This Indianapolis Colts' improbable season has been more about emotion than numbers. But there's something to be said for the stats, too.

A lot of the most impressive numbers start with quarterback Andrew Luck, whose rookie season has been the best in Colts history.

Three of Luck's records stand out:

His 4,183 passing yards (with the Houston game yet to come this Sunday) broke Cam Newton's NFL record of 4,051 set last season. Given the nature of the league, it might not last long when the next hotshot passer comes along. But it's Luck's now.

He has led the Colts to a franchise rookie best seven fourth-quarter or overtime game-winning drives, including the one at Kansas City on Sunday. He is also 9-1 in one-possession games.

He has led the Colts to 10 wins, the most by a Colts rookie quarterback. Chris Chandler won nine games in 1988.

Newton's record garnered the most attention, and Luck acknowledged to reporters on Sunday that he takes some pride in it.

"Yes, it definitely means something, and after the season I'll have a chance to look back and reflect on it," Luck said. "It's nice. Obviously, it's nicer to be in the playoffs but it's nice to have a couple records, which I'm sure will be broken in the next year."

The Colts became only the second team in NFL history (joining the 2008 Miami Dolphins) to win 10 or more games a year after losing 14 or more.

"He's one of 11 guys out there at a time," Arians said. "Would we have done it without him? No. But a lot of guys, Darius Butler, have come up with some huge big plays on the road for touchdowns, (players) knocking the ball out when they're in scoring position. This is a team win. Pat McAfee kicked the living crap out of the ball again and pinned them back there. You can't say we're only winning because of Andrew Luck."

Among the other statistics milestones for the Colts, wide receiver Reggie Wayne recorded his fourth season of 100 or more receptions, joining an elite group of receivers that includes Jerry Rice and Wes Welker (five seasons apiece) and Marvin Harrison and Brandon Marshall (four apiece).